June 17, 2015

the

SUN FLOWER WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015 VOLUME 120 ISSUE 1

Find fresh produce and goods at the city’s farmer’s markets | PAGE 3

THESUNFLOWER.COM

Summer in the

City

Can’t escape to Italy? No off-shore cruise through the Carribean?

Summer vacations are hard to come by as a cash-strapped college student. If you’re sticking around town but don’t want to miss out on the fun, this is your guide to a summer in the city. Take an art class, visit the farmer’s market, listen to symphony music. And if you have a little gas in the tank, check out the mini Kansas road trip guide on page 8.

Get crafty with CityArts Doug Robertson: Photographer, videographer, teacher

CHELSEA MOORE

REPORTER

@CHELSLALAMOORE

Wichita State Studio Art graduate Robin Duarte-Specht says CityArts is missing the demographic of college students.

“I don’t know if they are aware (of) what the space is,” Duarte-Specht said. She has worked at CityArts for a couple months now, and said friends ask her frequently what the space is.

“I tell them it’s a teaching facility and exhibition space.”

CityArts is located on Mead, next to the Old Town Warren Theatre. A variety of classes are held every day. All ages are welcome and classes are split into two age ranges: under 16 years

old and above 16 years old.

Kay Blair, CityArts executive director, said classes this summer have been popular “across the board.” However, most popular this year has been the photography classes with Doug Robertson.

In fact, the class is so popular that CityArts had to add a “DSLR Level 5” class.

Robertson recommends all students to start with the Introduction or Level 1 class, however. He said his most popular class is the Level 1 class.

“Some people, that’s all they want,” Robertson said. “After my level 1, honestly, you can shoot.

You can walk away and do a good job at photography if you paid attention and did your work.”

Photography, though popular currently, is not the only popular and enjoyable class in the building. CityArts’ website boasts that it is home to 35 artists who teach their craft in the building.

These crafts include silversmithing, glass blowing, painting and blogging.

George Farid, a WSU engineering class of ’79 alumnus, is enrolled in the Wednesday night pottery class at CityArts this summer. He said he saw an advertisement for the class in the newspaper.

“It was something I always wanted to learn,” Farid said. “I watched people to do it. I figured if it’s easy for them to do it, I’m going to try.”

Photo by Chelsea Moore

DSLR Level 3 class and teacher Doug Robertson looks at photo comparisons of students to better understand light and exposure.

CHELSEA MOORE

REPORTER

@CHELSLALAMOORE

His first camera was given to him at the age of nine: a white Polaroid Land-Swinger. It shot black and white. The picture had to be pulled from the bottom, and allowed a few minutes to develop.

Next, a fixer painted over the entire picture.

“I had a pretty good eye, even as a kid,” Doug Robertson said.

“My brother and I took (our) Jeep, JI Joes, the camera and vampire blood and staged a wreck,” Robertson said.

The boys showed the gruesome Polaroid to the neighborhood girls. “They thought it was real wreck photos,” Robertson said, laughing.

Robertson earned his master’s degree from Winona Institute of Professional Photography. Now he owns and operates one of the

largest professional photography studios in Wichita, and teaches on the side, including at CityArts.

“I always promise that if they stick with me, if they’ll do their homework, read their assignments, come to class, they will learn photography,” Robertson said.

His skill has earned him awards such has two Kodak Gallery Awards and a Fuji Masterpiece Award. His work is viewable in galleries including the Epcott Center in Orlando, Fla. One of his two documentaries (“Blackbear Bosin”) has been aired on KPTS, as well. For the Wichita resident, an easier view can be made through his website, robertsonswarehouse.com.

“I guess at nine, I got the bug … once I got that camera,” he said. “I honestly don’t remember if I asked for a camera, or if they just got it. But I know I enjoyed it. And I still have it.”

Photo by Chelsea Moore

George Farid, pottery student at CityArts, centers his clay on the wheel, sculpting it into what will be a pot or bowl.

THE STAFF:

EDITORIAL

Editor-in-Chief Shelby Reynolds Managing Editor Danielle Prewitt Multimedia Editor Kevin Brown Sports Editor Reece Burns Opinion Editor Alex Perry Special Sections Editor Amanda Hansen Copy Chief TJ Rigg

ADVERTISING

Advertising Manager Sean Jones Advertising Representatives Tri Nguyen Jordan Satterlee Jon Snider

BUSINESS / ADVISING Business Manager Robbie Norton Faculty Adviser Jessica Bertapelle Advertising Consultant Madeline McCullough

The Sunflower is published by student-employees on Monday and Thursday during the fall and spring semesters. During the summer session, the paper is printed once a month, with exceptions for holidays and finals.

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One copy may be taken for free. Additional copies must be purchased for $1 each. The Sunflower is also partially funded by the Student Government Association at WSU. The opinions expressed in The Sunflower editorials, columns, guest columns, reviews, advertisements, letters, Yik Yak posts and editorial cartoons are not necessarily those of the staff, publications board, student body or university. The Sunflower reserves the right to edit or reject any submission.

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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

PAGE 2 | OPINION

Running in the city

Running is a great summer activity, but be prepared For most of my life, I’ve lived a pretty sedentary lifestyle.

Whether COLUMN BY it’s playing ALEX PERRY video games, watching movies or TV, or just hedonistically lounging around, I can be incredibly inactive for long periods of time. Whether or not they like to admit it, most college students can and will do this.

I don’t want to startle anyone, but this isn’t especially healthy. Even if you don’t care too much about your appearance (it’s your body, do what you want with it), living like a hermit can result in basic actions — such as walking across the Wichita State campus — leaving you way more drained than they should.

So if you’re someone like that, I can’t recommend running enough. It likely won’t result in immediate weight loss or anything like that, but the added endurance that comes after just a few weeks will leave you feeling better throughout your everyday life.

I started a couple of months ago and I’m still going at a beginner’s pace, but I feel like I can offer a handful of helpful tips to anyone who wants to start from nothing like I did.

Hydrate

First, and most importantly, stay hydrated. Everyone knows this, but getting into the habit of drinking the appropriate amount of water each day can be tough if you enjoy soda. A cold glass of water may not pack a lot of flavor, but drinking several each day will better prepare you for activities such as running.

Consume calories

Another thing you should do is eat right before a run.

Most hardcore runners I know recommend eating things such as a piece of toast with peanut butter on it and eggs roughly an hour before your run, though the timing doesn’t need to be exact and can vary from person to person.

Get going with a race Get into the running groove, stay on track or breeze through a local race. Opportunities abound this summer. For more information on the races, visit runwichita.org.

Get a buddy

Finding a group to run with is ideal. Businesses like GoRun offer programs for beginners that will get you started at a friendly pace.

Running alongside others is great for pacing yourself, as well.

In my experience, it’s good to find someone who runs at a pace you’re comfortable with and try to match them. It’s important to resist the urge to go as fast as you can so you don’t burn yourself out too early.

Dress your feet

You should also find the right shoes before you start running.

Sporting goods stores should have attendants who can help you find something that fits your size and gait so your feet don’t hurt more than they have to.

Listen to jams

Last but definitely not least, listen to music while you run.

Seriously, build a playlist of anything you like that gets you going, no matter what genre. It’s the best way to distract yourself from the fact that you’re exercising.

Those are all extremely basic steps to get into running, but if you’re starting from scratch like I was just a couple months ago, they will help you immensely.

Get out and run during these beautiful summer days.

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Three recipes to brighten up any summer picnic Photo by Jillian Clough

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Picnics are synonymous with the season of sunshine and outdoor fun. Impress at COLUMN BY your next JILLIAN CLOUGH picnic by trying one of these fruit inspired recipes, sure to liven up even the frumpiest red- and white-checkered cloth.

The watermelon fruit cup is perfect for adding a bit extra to a table presentation. Serving fruit in the rind of a watermelon utilizes the tools available, and it looks pretty.

Impress picnic guests with an ambrosia salad made with homemade whipped cream, which only takes two ingredients and 30 seconds.

Improve the appearance of any drink by adding fresh fruit. The colors in the grapefruit sparkler will shine on a sunny day, and can be served with or without alcohol.

WATERMELON FRUIT CUP

Ingredients: Half a watermelon Strawberries, sliced Blueberries Raspberries Green grapes Instant vanilla pudding mix 1) Wash all the fruit and set in a large bowl.

2) Carefully cut up the watermelon, removing the flesh but leaving the rind in tact. Add the watermelon pieces to the bowl of fruit.

3) Sprinkle a tablespoon of the dry instant vanilla pudding mix on the fruit and carefully mix together. For a richer vanilla flavor, add more of the pudding mix.

4) Add the tossed fruit into the watermelon rind for a more interesting and impressive presentation.

AMBROSIA SALAD

Ingredients: 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1 tbsp. powdered sugar ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt Strawberries, cut Wedged Mandarin oranges Peaches, sliced and diced 1 can pineapple pieces, drained 1 cup mini marshmallows 1) In a large bowl, combine all the fruit and marshmallows. Set aside.

2) In a separate container, combine the heavy whipping cream and the powdered sugar. Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until thick with soft peaks.

3) Fold the whipped cream and yogurt with the fruit.

4) Chill for at least two hours to allow the cream to set.

GRAPEFRUIT SPARKLER

Ingredients: Grapefruit juice Ginger ale Club soda Raspberries Blueberries Ice Vodka, optional 1) In a large pitcher, combine the grapefruit juice, ginger ale and club soda. Watch the ratio of the sodas to make the punch sweet or super sweet. The drink will sparkle either way.

2) If using alcohol, stir in the vodka. Make as strong or weak as you like. Use a flavored grapefruit vodka for an extra twist.

3) Fill individual glasses with ice and add a few blueberries and raspberries for color.

4) Pour in the grapefruit sparkling punch.

www.thesunflower.com

PAGE 3 | NEWS + OPINION

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

A concert on the prairie

Photo by Shelby Reynolds

The Symphony in Flint Hills celebrated its 10-year anniversary Saturday with a concert at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, perfromed by the Kansas City Symphony. About 8,000 concertgoers went on nature walks, took covered-wagon rides and played instruments in a “petting zoo.”

The symphony’s mission is to heighten appreciation and knowledge of the tallgrass prairie. This year’s theme was “Grasslands of the World,” which incorporated major grasslands from five continents in education programs and symphonic music.

THE DAILY

YAK This is a collection of Wichita State students’ yaks. This is what you think about, talk about and wonder about. Enjoy.

When life gives you melons, wear a low-cut top.

Are there any healthy food options at SH dining?

I just found a chuckecheese token from 2002. Who wants to go play skeeball??

I wish I had the will power to delete my grindr Who else is pulling an all nighter and binge watching OITNB??

Photo by Shelby Reynolds

Photo by TJ Rigg

Where’s the best place to poop at WSU? Clean, quiet, aestheticaly pleasing to the senses?

If you say “beer can” in a British accent, it sounds like “bacon” in a Jamaican accent.

Whenever I see ponderosa apartments I think of bonanza If it wasn’t for FB birthday reminders, I’d be the worst friend ever. # happybirthday

Photo by TJ Rigg

Photo by TJ Rigg

They say fake it til you make it, but that is really freaking hard.

My farts are extra rank today I’m slightly embarrassed that right now I’m laying in bed watching a documentary called “The Private Life of Deer”.

Farmer’s market looks to entice college students RAHIM THOMPSON REPORTER @RAHIMLEGEND

A lot of organizations and groups are trying to get college students’ attention.

The Kansas Grown Farmer’s Market is one of them. It will be hosting an event to attract college students in the fall.

Alexis Elder, a local vegetable farmer, said the project is still in its early stages and does not have a name yet.

At the famer’s market, local farmers are scattered in stations resembling a flea market, and with each passing customer, they make their pitch to sell their products – even dog food.

“We used this market as a platform to display our products,” said Michael Newman, who sells paleo dog food at the market near 21st and Ridge Road. “You don’t see very many people out here selling paleo nutrition for dogs, let alone any animal. We’re trying to help people become more health

conscious of their animals.”

Aside from animal nutrition, one of the biggest selling pitches the famers use is the freshness of their products.

“The main difference is at the grocery story, you will get a product that has been shipped before it was ripe, which means it has a lot of preservatives in it,” Elder said.

“Another thing is, typically the product is getting older before you have a chance to enjoy it. If you buy from me I can tell you when it was harvested and how long it will last, but in the store, you don’t know.”

Elder said the demand on independent farmers causes the prices to vary by the product.

Sometimes it is less expensive than typical store prices, and sometimes it is slightly more.

Elder said because local farmers operate on a smaller scale and they do not have the luxury of highpriced machinery, the prices will have to be slightly more at times to pay the bills.

In the fall, Elder and several

Wichita Farmer’s markets Grown local. Shop local.

Kansas Grown Farmer’s Market 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays 21st and Ridge

Photo by Tarun Bali

Andrea Nisly, a Wichita State student, left, purchases vegetables at the Kansas Grown Farmer’s Market near 21st and Ridge on Saturday.

other farmers, including local meat dealer Tim West look to attract more college students. West said about 20 percent of his customers are college students, and he expects this project in the fall will draw more students to it.

“I know a lot of student-athletes are real health conscious, but they

don’t know they could eat healthier if they shop here because all of our products are fresh and produced with care,” West said. “A lot of times big companies do things to speed up the process that aren’t healthy to put in the human body, so I would like to educate some of these students on that.”

Old Town Farmers Market 7 a.m. to noon Saturdays 2nd and Mosely Lincoln Heights Farmers Market 7 a.m. to noon Wednesdays Douglas and Oliver

PAGE 4 | NEWS

Slide the City to make splashing debut July 4 The traveling slip and slide will allow Wichitans to take a tube down a 1,000-foot wet tarp.

MEGAN LOOPER

REPORTER

@MEGLOOPER

Independence Day: a time for cookouts, fireworks and fun with family and friends. But this year, how about spending your holiday afternoon slipping and sliding through downtown Wichita on 1,000 feet of water slide?

The Wichita Parks Foundation is bringing Slide the City — an independent organization that visits approximately 80 cities around the country each year — to west Wichita on July 4.

The day will feature music, dancing, food, drinks and even some “swag� for sale so you can soak up the sun in style. “I presented the idea to the [Parks Foundation] board and they all agreed the slide needed to come to Wichita since this is something the community has never had,� said Stacey Hamm, spokeswoman for the Wichita Parks Foundation. “Since the city of Wichita has not had a large event on the 4th in years, we decided to turn this into a block-party style atmosphere with some free activities, as well.�

General sliding is open to the public from 2 to 7 p.m., and VIP sliding — which is available to those who purchase an “unlimited� wristband — is from 1 to 2

If you go:

p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m.

Registration for the slip and slide is open online at slidethecity.com, or at the location the day of the event. Cost is $25 online for a single slider ($30 on sliding day) and $40 for a triple slider ($45 on sliding day). Unlimited VIP sliding is $60 ($65 on slide day).

After registering, wristbands will be distributed to attendees at sign in July 4. A general wristband earns three trips down the giant slip and a slide on an inflatable tube. A drawstring bag, mouthguard and tattoo will also be given at sign-in.

The slide will begin near Lawrence-Dumont Stadium at 599 W. Maple St. Participants must sign a waiver (available online) in order to slide, and sliders must be 5 years old or 46 inches tall to ride.

To prepare for sliding day, riders should bring their swimming suit, and are recommended to use public transportation, carpool or park a reasonable distance from the sliding area, as most of the streets and lots around the slide may be closed for the day. “Slide the City is unique and an attraction that the city has never had before,� Hamm said, “and is for all ages to� participate.�

SUDOKU

The Sudoku Source of

at:

“The Sunflower�.

REPORTER

JULY 9: Nikki Moddelmog and Shane Marler with Dennis Hardin AUG. 6: Doug MacLeod

SEPT. 1: The Calamity Cubes!

The Cherokee Maidens perform at last year’s Art for your Ears summer concert series, hosted by the Ulrich Museum of Art. This year’s series begins with a performance from local performers Nikki Moddelmog, Shane Marler and Dennis Hardin on July 9 outside the Ulrich.

UPCOMING CONCERTS:

File Photo by Kevin Brown

Art at museums usually hangs on walls or sits on the floor or a pedestal. The Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State offers it in a different format during the summer months.

The “Art for Your Ears� summer concert series kicks off its 2015 performance at WSU with a show from local musicians next month. It promises to “expand your artistic experience,� according the Ulrich website.

The Ulrich and the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries bring the series to the Wichita community each summer.

Jennifer Lane, a spokeswoman for the museum, said the performances are going to be different each time, so attendees can expect to hear a different sound and variety each month. “We try to bring people that are local and national, and usually we pick a theme,� Lane said. “But this year we tried to mix it up.�

Nikki Moddelmog will perform July 9 alongside Shane Marler and Dennis Hardin in the first performance.

Lane said Moddelmog is a local talent and has been performing in Wichita for about 12 years, while Marler and Hardin have a similar length of experience. “It’s just immense talents that we are bringing to the community,� she said.

Moddelmog performs soulful melodies, blend folk and jazz. “It will be great music that you can tap your feet to,� Lane said.

Doug MacLeod and The Calamity Cubes!

prizesudoku.com

Solutions on page 6

Annual summer concert series to ‘expand your artistic experience’

@BRITTANY_FOREV

Create and solve your Sudoku puzzles for FREE .

Play Sudoku and win prizes

Art for your Ears

BRITTANY PONDS

Slide the City Wichita When: 2 to 7 p.m. July 4 Location: Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, 599 W. Maple St. Tickets: $25, $40, $60

www.thesunflower.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

perform for the series in August and September with blues and more folk and bluegrass. “Doug is a great storyteller, and that’s what makes a great blues musician,� Lane said.

MacLeod, winner of the Blues Music Awards Acoustic Artist of the Year, will perform his triple talents as a singer, songwriter and storyteller. The artist plays not only locally, but internationally.

Lane said the Calamity Cubes! typically perform on the West Coast, and although they’re from Kansas, they only play in Wichita a few times a year. “They have such a huge community throughout the country, people love the Calamity Cubes!,� Lane said.

Lane said she thinks it’s a great way for people to participate in It’s a really the community. wonderful “It’s a really wonderful community event. community You can make event. You can new friends and make new friends and see old see old friends. friends,� Lane JENNIFER LANE said.

ULRICH MUSEUM Light refreshSPOKESWMAN ments will be provided and the galleries will be open for browsing. Admission is free and each performance is open to the public.

Lane encourages students and the community to participate. This year she hopes to see more of a student turn out, as the last performance is set for September.

“

Each performance is scheduled to run 7 to 9 p.m.

Location: McKnight Outdoor Plaza Rain location: Campus Activities Center (CAC Theater) Admission is free All concerts are open to the public

‘Dream come true’ www.thesunflower.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

Faculty soloist finds passion in teaching, performing in upcoming WSU Summer Symphony Orchestra

IF YOU GO: WHAT: WSU Summer Symphony Orchestra

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday WHERE: Miller Concert Hall at Wichita State

COST: $7 at the Fine Arts box office

MARISSA CAMPBELL

REPORTER

@SOUPITUP13

The music does not stop for the Wichita State Symphony Orchestra, even though it is summer.

Phillip Black, a WSU professor of tuba and euphonium and former Principal Tuba of the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Wichita Brass Quintet, will be a soloist at the WSU Summer Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday in the Miller Concert Hall.

Wichita State Professor of Music Mark Laycock will conduct the concert of music by Borodin, Liada, Gregson and Tower. WSU students will be playing in the orchestra, as well.

Wichita State graduate Kristen Weddle plays the cello with the summer symphony. She has played the cello for 14 years.

“This is my first time in the summer symphony and I am absolutely excited,” she said. “The repertoire is good, the Tuba Concerto is magnificent and Professor Black is a great player.

I’m also excited to play the piece

by Tower since she is a female composer, which doesn’t happen often.”

Black will perform the Tuba Concerto by the British Phillip Black composer Edward Gregson. Gregson’s piece is internationally known with six commercial recordings and many worldwide performances. Black will play it with brass accompaniment.

“I learned the Gregson Concerto probably 10 years ago for a faculty artist recital, and have taught it to several students over the years,” Black said. “For this performance I just had to dust it off for a month or so.”

Black has been the Principal Tuba at WSU and for the Wichita Symphony for 29 years. He teaches all WSU tuba and euphonium students and assists with brass pedagogy and chamber music. He also performs annual faculty recitals, presents recitals at brass festivals and gives guest master

PAGE 5 | NEWS

classes across the country.

“I have been most fortunate to have a long and fulfilling career,” Black said. “My position in Wichita is unique compared to many because it allows me to teach, play in a faculty brass quintet, perform with the symphony and play solo recitals.”

Black said he enjoys teaching his students to be well-rounded musicians and people by learning from his many experiences.

Black said the experience of teaching and playing in a symphony is a “dream come true.” He started playing in the 7th grade, now has his “dream job” and loves being able to do what he loves every day.

Ticket prices are $7 with discounts available, and can be purchased at the Fine Arts box office in the concert hall.

“I encourage all members of the WSU community to attend this performance,” Laycock said. “If you are new to orchestra concerts, the music should be exciting and appealing to everyone in attendance.”

Immersed in nature So you seek to unleash your natural side?

Submerse yourself in the beauty of Kansas with these outdoor locations DANIELLE PREWITT

MANAGING EDITOR

@DANIMAL902

Great Plains Nature Center

Located in east Wichita, The Great Plains Nature Center offers the public a chance to learn about natural resources among the Great Plains Region. Visitors can learn about wildlife and plant species, gain exposure to urban habitats and learn the importance of stewardship of natural resources.

Chisholm Creek Park

This park is features a 1.6 mile

nature trail and secluded wetland areas. Located just south of K-96, the park features a bicycle path, fishing ponds and the Wichita Wild Habitat Area. Scattered amongst the trails, the park features various wildlife sculptures including a turtle, red fox and sandhill cranes.

Quivira National

Wildlife Refuge Established in 1955, the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge stretches 22,135 acres. The refuge seeks to provide and protect habitat for

migratory waterfowl in the Central Flyway, and offers visitors and nature lovers opportntities to explore its salt marsh and sand prairie.

QNWR is located 30 miles west of Hutchinson. Spanish explorer, Coronado, first visited the area in 1541 and found fertile grasslands, wildlife and small agricultural villages which he dubbed “Quivira.”

Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

The refuge first began in 1859 when the Maxwell family wanted to preserve a portion of the prairie which included occasional tram tours, horse back rides and a 50-year-old observation tower. Festivals include Prairie Days the first weekend in June, and Mountain Man Rendezvous on the Prairie the first Friday and Saturday of October.

Photos by Xavier Mortenson

(TOP) Chisholm Creek Park in Wichita offers visitors a chance to explore fishing ponds, cycling trails and wetlands. (BOTTOM) Great Plains Nature Center sits in east Wichita for visitors to learn about natural resources.

PAGE 6 | NEWS

www.thesunflower.com

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

How to be a tourist in Kansas:

Mini road t rips

If you’re sticking around home this summer, catch a mini road trip on one of these three routes. Along the way, you’re sure to find tiny, back-road towns with tasty pies, friendly people and quirky tales from long ago.

ROUTE 1:

YODER > HUTCHINSON > DODGE CITY Yoder Yoder is just off K-96 about 40 minutes outside of Wichita. Look out for the Amish carriages along the highway, though. The town was founded in 1889 and is still surrounded by Amish communities. Yoder meats is a signature stop for locally grown products, and Carriage Crossing is a must for homemade made, feel-right-athome food. Check the restaurant’s hours before you go.

Hutchinson “Welcome to Hutchinson, welcome everyone, we’re a friendly place, come share our space�, so it goes as the tune for the South-Central town of Hutchinson, Kansas. Home to roughly 41, 000 people, Hutchinson has much to offer in the way of entertain-

ment for visitors. “Ad Astra Per Aspera,�, or, “through the stars through difficulties� boasts the Smithsonian-affiliated rotunda inside the famous Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center.

Featuring a historical museum containing artifacts from historical space travel, such as real rockets, a piece of the Berlin Wall and the IMAX Dome theatre, the KCSC is a fun and educational destination for all.

For the brave, Hutchinson also dishes up an attraction deep underground to the infamous and historically-rich salt mines on which the city was founded — Strataca. Tours happen multiple times daily with an impressive collection of movie memorabilia from Batman to Troy. Not to mention, tourists get to take a

piece of salt rock home with them when they’re done.

The Carey Park Zoo is an ideal outing for the animal lover. It is a free, non-profit organization that houses native creatures of Kansas and exotic critters.

For summer-time in the city, Salt City Splash Aquatic Center is perfect for a cool down complete with concessions and slides, as well as play equipment.

For the sports enthusiast, the Carey Park Golf Course offers lush green rolling grounds for golf. The surrounding area also has Frisbee Golf baskets and a skate park.

Dodge City Learn about the state’s cowboy roots in historic Dodge City.

Nearly three hours away, dine on burgers from the local farmers and visit the Boot Hill Museum.

ROUTE 2:

EL DORADO > FORT RILEY > MANHATTAN This summer’s festival will be held at El Dorado State Park on July 11. Registration is $35, or $45 day-of event, and includes a lantern, lighter, s’mores ingredients and a flashlight. Gates open at 4 p.m.

Photo by Celeste Thompson

The Lantern Fest will visit El Dorado on July 11 to light the night sky.

El Dorado When darkness descends over El Dorado State Park in early July, patrons from across the state will gather with lanterns to illuminate the night sky. For some, it will be a moment of honor. For others, prosperity or simple beauty.

For The Lantern Fest director Spencer Humiston, the sentiment, he says, is unique to the individual. “It’s so great to see all types of people come out to The Lantern Fest. It’s such a fun time and absolutely incredible to watch,� he said.

Fort Riley Many people don’t realize that Fort Riley is open all year round to any visitor. At the gate, just present a photo ID and you can drive through the 1st Infantry Division’s historic post. The buildings are made of limestone from the surrounding Flint Hills. There are several museums and in the fall, Fort Riley opens to the public for a full day of events.

Manhattan There’s always plenty to do in Manhattan. Catch the night life scene in Aggieville and visit the city’s Flint Hills Discovery Center or the Sunset Zoo.

ROUTE 3:

NEWTON > LINDSBORG > SALINA Newton Catch a ride to, or through, Newton on an Amtrak. The town is home to Beck’s Farm (with their signature peaches), the Newton Train Station, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame and several notable art galleries.

Lindsborg Commonly known as “Little Sweden,� this small town is home to several hidden tourist gems, including Coronado Heights. The

structure is said to mark the place near where Fransisco Vasquez de Coronado gave up his search for the seven cities of gold and turned around to retun to Mexico. There’s places for a picnic and a beautiful place to observe the hills around you, especially during a summer shower. Lindsborg is also home to Bethany College and several other traditionally Swedish locales, including the McPherson County Old Mill Museum, Roller Mill and Heritage Square.

If you’re staying overnight, be sure to check in at a bed and breakfast.

Salina The Rolling Hills Zoo is a can’t miss in Salina. During your visit to the zoo, catch the taxidermy museum nearyby that has animals from around the world. For dinner, grab a mini burger at The Cozy Inn, a tiny nook with a walk-up window surrounded by picnic tables.

Photos by Celeste Thompson

(TOP) Located in Hutchinson, Kan., The Kansas Cosmosphere has lots to offer to visitors wishing to learn about flight and space exploration. (BOTTOM) Strataca, Hutchinson’s Underground Salt Museum, takes visitors deep underground to explore the salt mine housed underneath.